Hip Labral Tears

Definition

A hip labral tear is an injury to the soft elastic tissue around the hip joint called the labrum. The hip joint is made of a ball and socket. The ball is the end of the thigh bone, also called the femur. This ball fits into the bowl-shaped socket in the pelvic bone, also called the acetabulum. Cartilage lines the socket to keep movement smooth and the joint cushioned. The labrum helps to hold the ball of your femur in place. When the this tears, it is called a hip labral tear.

An anesthetic may be injected to help diagnose this condition. If the pain gets better with the injection, the problem is in the joint which could be a labral tear.

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Treatment options include the following:

Medical Treatment

Common medical treatment may include:

Common medical treatment may include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Steroid injection to the joint

Modified activity

Physical therapy to strengthen muscles

Generally, this treatment is tried for several weeks. If there is no improvement, then surgery is considered.

Surgical Treatment

Arthroscopy
uses a thin, lighted tube inserted through a small incision to view the injury and fix it. Small instruments are threaded through this tube. The torn labrum may be removed or sewn together.

Arthroscopy
uses a thin, lighted tube inserted through a small incision to view the injury and fix it. Small instruments are threaded through this tube. The torn labrum may be removed or sewn together.

Rehabilitation

After surgery, you may be fitted with a brace. This will provide support and aid healing. A therapist will work with you. The therapy will include strength exercises and a plan to increase your weight bearing.

Prevention

There are no known guidelines to prevent a hip labral tear.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.